How Close to a Match Starting Can You Place a Bet?

It's becoming more and more popular to wait right up until the last moment to place a punt but just how close to a match starting can you still place a bet? Depending on the bookmaker, you can place a bet right up until the second the match starts.
And fortunately, if you happen to wait just a minute too long, you won't miss the action altogether thanks to in-play betting odds going live as soon as the pre-match odds are taken down.
But the timing of a bet can be everything.
Odds change based on the most up-to-date information, so waiting until the last second to place a bet could provide value but there are certainly times placing a bet well in advance secures the most advantageous odds.
The following breaks down the importance of timing your bet because understanding WHEN to make a bet can be just as important as WHAT your wagering on.
When do in-running betting odds start?
In-play betting odds, also known as in-running or live odds, start the moment the event begins. While not available at all bookmakers, online gambling hubs have the in-play option for multiple sports, including football, tennis, basketball and golf.
Live betting appeals to a wide variety of punters because of the sheer amount of sports covered and the bets available within those markets, and is only gaining in popularity as live streaming becomes a staple at most bookmakers.
During a football game you’ll be able to bet on who’ll score next, who will kick the ball out of play, who might take the next throw in, or who will receive the next yellow card.
The amount of choice offered is both exhilarating and intimidating – the global market means there is nearly always something to bet on live.
Advice for new bettors trying live odds:
Novice gamblers may find themselves lost in a constant stream of bets, so it’s a good strategy to set limits on what you will bet on, selecting specific categories or types of live bets.
In certain sports where there are many stoppages and changes, such as golf or American football, the live odds will be frozen until that specific part of the game is finished.
The live odds will then re-appear, having already been recalculated to take the previous play into account. This is unique to these sports, though, as other more-paced games' odds never halt.
Are pre-match odds always different from in-running odds?
Not always, but for the most part live odds typically differ from the pre-match odds.
The difference between the two styles of betting comes down to the odds. By the time play has started on a specific match, bookmakers have a much stronger sense of what is going to happen and will adjust the odds accordingly during the game.
Likewise, punters are able to assess the state of a match and make a decision about whether a live bet is worthwhile.
So while the odds may be similar up until the start of the game, once it has kicked off, in-running odds will be constantly updated to manage expectations and keep punters interested.
Another advantage of in-play betting is that punters can often choose to cash in early if the bet meets the criteria. For example, if you’re betting that one team will beat another and your team goes a goal up, you can sell or trade that bet for a smaller amount.
Most major online bookmakers offer in-running odds, so missing the start of a match isn't the end of the world but ensuring you place a pre-match punt before the in-play odds are released can equate to hefty returns and more generous odds.
Check Out: Legal Ontario Sports Betting sites and major sports to bet on.
How far out from an event can you place a bet?
You can begin betting as soon as the top bookies release the line, or even before that if you seek a special bet. The better question may be: When can you start betting on an event? It all depends on the type of bet you’re looking to place.
For a typical bet, where the wager is on the outcome of a single game or match, you may wish to wait until all useful information about the teams has been made public.
Of course, you can place a bet well in advance of this and hope that with a bit of blind luck, your foresight is fortuitous.
Bets that relate to the end position of a tournament league or championship – for example, the position a football team might finish the league in – can be placed long before the end result is known.
Fans often bet on the outcome of the next Premier League champion over the summer, even though the result will not be known until the following May.
This usually takes place at the start of the season; the bet is based on the previous season’s statistics and summer signings, before any games have even been played.
Related: For bonus and offers check out New betting sites.
What’s the point of betting so far in advance?
Of course, punters may just wish to back their favourite team or player regardless of the detail that later comes to light.
But, as the bookmaker has little information to judge the state of play earlier on, punters find themselves with the prospect of much higher odds and a larger return if a bet proves fruitful.
Information that comes out a week in advance of the match may be proven wrong or out of date by the time the event begins, so strategic punters may wish to hold off until the very last minute, or wait for the in-game betting to begin.
Ensuring you're punting with all the most up-to-date info can be crucial to pre-match betting.
Recommended Betting Sites



-
19+. T&C Apply. Play ResponsiblyHuge Selection of Sports Betting MarketsOne of the Oldest Online SportsbooksExclusive Partnership with Sports IllustratedPromo Code
The code required to claim a sign-up bonus (if any)
Min Deposit10Acca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
YesLive StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
34Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
No888 Sportsbook offers a massive selection of sports betting markets and sports to its customers. In an US expansion effort, the brand has teamed up with Sports Illustrated. -
19+. T&C Apply. Play ResponsiblyRegular Bettor TournamentsForecast BettingBettor Hall of FamePromo Code
The code required to claim a sign-up bonus (if any)
Min Deposit10Acca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoLive StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
13Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
No20Bet wants to amaze bettors with several interesting features. Users will find hall of fame and regular tournaments appealing. They'll be able to compete with others to stay at the top. -
19+. T&C Apply. Play ResponsiblyRegular Tournament LeaguesWeekly Acca Rewards & BoostsBet Builder FeaturePromo Code
The code required to claim a sign-up bonus (if any)
Min Deposit10Acca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoLive StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
15Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
NoPowbet sportsbook run a distinctive theme with a unique design. The platform comes with all the features and rewards that newcomers and experience bettors will appreciate, some of which are bet builder, acca boosts and regular tournaments. -
19+. T&C Apply. Play ResponsiblyRegular Bettor TournamentsCashback & Acca Boost PromotionsCompetitive Odds & Extensive Sports SelectionPromo Code
The code required to claim a sign-up bonus (if any)
Min Deposit20Acca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
YesLive StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
11Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
YesGreatWin features a polished design that let's its users easily focus on broad selection of available sports. The platform offers competitive odds, but it stands out with ongoing promotions such as acca boosts. Players can also explore the casino section for more fun. -
19+. T&C Apply. Play ResponsiblyLong Established UK BookmakerRegular Bet BoostsUse Bet Builder to Make Custom BetsPromo Code
The code required to claim a sign-up bonus (if any)
Min Deposit10Acca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoLive StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
33Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
YesBetVictor is named after founder Victor Chandler (known as the 'Gentleman Bookmaker') and they boast superstar jockey Rachael Blackmore, plus football legends Michael Owen and Harry Redknapp amongst their brand ambassadors and betting experts. -
19+. T&C Apply. Play ResponsiblyRegular Bettors TournamentsSport VIP ProgramOngoing 'Forecasts' PromotionPromo Code
The code required to claim a sign-up bonus (if any)
Min Deposit15Acca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoLive StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
21Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
NoTonyBet offers over 1,650 sports betting markets and sports. Aside from being spoilt for choice, bettors can also enjoy difrerent promotions. Plus the platform is available on all operating systems. -
19+. T&C Apply. Play ResponsiblyBig Selection of Live Betting MarketsOfficial Partner of NLLOdds Boosts Available on Select EventsPromo Code
The code required to claim a sign-up bonus (if any)
Min DepositAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoLive StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
NoSports Interaction welcomes new customers with a generous welcome bonus but it doesn't stop there. Bettors can use odds boosts in the sports portfolio. -
19+. T&C Apply. Play ResponsiblyDual Sportsbook & Casino PlatformDistinctive ‘Moustache’ Branding‘PlayBoost’ Accumulator BoostsPromo Code
The code required to claim a sign-up bonus (if any)
Min Deposit10Acca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoLive StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
32Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
NoMr.Play Sports has a fun style of its very own, with a memorable handlebar 'tache wherever you look, but it boasts a serious amount of betting markets, plus Premier League & 'Euro Elite' betting battle tournaments. -
19+. T&C Apply. Play ResponsiblyTennis Betting LeaderboardBig Selection of Popular SportsClean Design for Smooth NavigationPromo Code
The code required to claim a sign-up bonus (if any)
Min Deposit10Acca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoLive StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
32Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
NoGuts is a great platform where sports betting enthusiasts will find everything they need. Plus, they can play casino games and poker if they like to. -
19+. T&C Apply. Play ResponsiblyPromo Code
The code required to claim a sign-up bonus (if any)
Min Deposit20Acca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoLive StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
6Bet BuilderCan you create your own personalised bets?
Yes
Stay In The Loop With Free Bets, Insider Tips & More!
Live Betting. Sports Promos. Sent Weekly.